Here’s the sensational new attraction for 2025 at Beauval: the golden snub-nosed monkeys!
To mark the park’s 45th anniversary, ZooParc de Beauval is writing a new chapter in its history. In 2025, it will become the first park in the world outside Asia to showcase the extraordinary golden snub-nosed monkeys. A Chinese national treasure, these small primates – with their flamboyant coats and bluish faces – are unique in their kind and have been entrusted to ZooParc by China as part of a conservation and research programme focusing on the species.
The CEO of ZooParc de Beauval, Rodolphe Delord, has been visiting China over the past few days to finalise the signing of the agreement formalising the collaboration on the conservation of golden snub-nosed monkeys between ZooParc de Beauval and the CWCA (China Wildlife Conservation Association). The event took place on Wednesday 27 November at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, from where the golden snub-nosed monkeys entrusted to Beauval will come; Beauval will be the first park in the world outside Asia to host this species. Three golden snub-nosed monkey will be entrusted to the world’s fourth most beautiful zoo so that they can be presented to the French and European public.
The ZooParc de Beauval is particularly proud and honoured to welcome this extraordinary new species. “This is a first that illustrates Beauval’s key role in the conservation of endangered species. Welcoming the golden snub-nosed monkeys, China’s national treasures, marks a decisive step forward in Franco-Chinese relations regarding conservation and research. Together, we are taking action to protect this unique species and raise global awareness of its incredible beauty and fragility” – Rodolphe Delord.
The golden snub-nosed monkeys will be housed in optimal conditions ensuring their welfare within an area specially designed for them, and they will, without a doubt, delight a great many visitors at Beauval in 2025.
One of China’s greatest national treasures, alongside the giant panda
The Roxellane snub-nosed monkey is endemic to the mountainous regions of central-western China along the Tibetan Plateau, in the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, Hubei and Shaanxi. It lives in temperate deciduous and coniferous forests, at altitudes of between 1,400 and 2,800 metres, where snow cover can persist for up to six months. This species is highly revered in China and is listed as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The largest populations are found in the Wolong Nature Reserve, in Sichuan province.
China has several ‘national treasures’ in the animal kingdom: rare and iconic species protected for their cultural, ecological and scientific importance. The golden snub-nosed monkey is one of China’s main national treasures, alongside the giant panda, the red-crowned crane, the South China tiger, David’s deer and the crested ibis.
A rare and iconic species adapted to the bitter cold
The golden snub-nosed monkey has a thick, golden coat on its flanks, back and shoulders, whilst its belly is mostly white. Framed by blond fur, its blue face gives it a distinctive appearance. Its dense, thick coat enables it to survive in particularly low temperatures. Its upturned nose is particularly well adapted to mountainous conditions, helping to minimise the build-up of snow and moisture when breathing at high altitudes. Some experts suggest that this species has evolved to cope with extreme cold, but little is known about it. Indeed, golden snub-nosed monkeys are primates that have escaped in-depth scientific study. Most research has focused on individuals in captivity or on limited observations of wild populations. Much of these primates’ behaviour remains to be discovered, which makes the conservation of this species all the more essential.
A historic collaboration between France and China
Following the giant pandas in 2012, the arrival of the golden snub-nosed monkeys marks a major step forward in Franco-Chinese relations in the field of conservation. Scientists, vets and keepers from both countries will join forces to study these extraordinary primates and work together on their conservation.
Come and see them in 2025!
Work has begun near the Heights of China. This involves preparatory work on the facilities that will house the golden snub-nosed monkeys. We are not yet able to give you a specific timeframe or date, but we look forward to welcoming you in 2025 to admire these iconic animals and explore their new home. A sensational new attraction marking the 45th anniversary of the world’s fourth most beautiful zoo.
Some of you had guessed the ‘golden snub-nosed monkeys’ surprise as part of the competition launched especially to announce this revelation. Thank you to everyone who took part! Stay tuned, as we’ll be organising more competitions and surprises to keep you excited about the arrival of the golden snub-nosed monkeys at Beauval!
The results are in! Well done to @coli_colinette (Instagram) and @Jörg Hölzle (Facebook), who have won a special visit!
The winners have been contacted. Thank you to everyone for taking part!
